Viggo Mortensen plays the driver, while Mahershala Ali, a Muslim, portrays Shirley. But its Oscar chances may be affected by a string of recent controversies.

Shirley’s family have criticised the film, saying it is filled with “lies”; co-writer and director Peter Farrelly has apologised after an old interview surfaced in which he talked about flashing his genitals; and Mortensen has said sorry for using the N word in an interview.

The latest controversy comes after the re-emergence of the tweet Vallelonga sent following a rally in November 2015, where Mr Trump – then a presidential candidate – said: “I watched in Jersey City, New Jersey, where thousands and thousands of people were cheering as that building was coming down.”

Vallelonga wrote: “100% correct. Muslims in Jersey City cheering when towers went down. I saw it, as you did, possibly on local CBS news.”

In a statement reported by Hollywood Reporter, Variety and other sites, Vallelonga said: “I want to apologise. I spent my life trying to bring this story of overcoming differences and finding common ground to the screen, and I am incredibly sorry to everyone associated with Green Book.

‘This lesson is not lost on me’

“I especially deeply apologise to the brilliant and kind Mahershala Ali, and all members of the Muslim faith, for the hurt I have caused. I am also sorry to my late father who changed so much from Dr Shirley’s friendship and I promise this lesson is not lost on me.

“Green Book is a story about love, acceptance and overcoming barriers, and I will do better.”

Participant Media, which produced the film, also released a statement saying: “We find Mr Vallelonga’s Twitter post offensive, dangerous, and antithetical to Participant Media’s values. We reject it in no uncertain terms.”

La La Land producer Jordan Horowitz was among those criticising the writer on Twitter, calling his comments “too disgusting”.

Given the Shirley family disowning the film, Viggo using the N-word, the Peter Farrelly story, and now Nick Vallelonga being anti-Muslim, I’ve become more flustered that GREEN BOOK is taking attention from more deserving films.

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